Five Questions With Saints Punter Thomas Morstead

Thomas Morstead’s parents have never missed one of his games. Ever. Home or away, preseason, regular season or playoffs, they’ve seen them all. And they give him brownies before every game.

The Saints punter/kickoff specialist was drafted by the team in the 5th round of the 2009 draft. His career net punting average is 40.4 yards (career gross average is 47.1 yards). Morstead was born in Pearland, Texas, attended Pearland High School and played college ball at Southern Methodist University.

On Saturday, he’ll cut his hair at Finn McCool’s Irish Pub to support the St. Baldrick’s Foundation.

Before he goes under the shears, he answered…

SW: You executed the Super Bowl “Ambush” onside kick to perfection. What was your first thought when Sean Payton made that call?

TM: My initial reaction was not good, a little panic/fear. Thank goodness for the 35 minute halftime. It gave me a chance to calm down and realize that it worked in practice every time. That gave me confidence once we took the field.

SW: In 2011, you were named the number one tweeter in football. What’s a bigger honor — that or your first Pro Bowl appearance after last season?

TM: Pro Bowl for sure, huge honor to be voted in by coaches, my peers, and WhoDat Nation. I think our fans pushed me into first.

SW: You’ve punted the football 235 times in your career. Does one punt stand out above all the rest?

TM: NFC Championship Game against the Vikings. Last punt of the game, 2-ish minutes left in the 4th quarter and the score was tied. I hit a 58 yard punt and the coverage unit tackled the returner very quickly and we netted 53 yards. Vikings almost got into field goal range and could have kicked a potential game winner with no time left. But they needed a few more yards and decided to throw it. Then Tracy Porter happened….

SW: What’s in your locker?

TM: All my football gear, and a few family photos.

SW: I know you and your right leg have a very special relationship. If it could talk, what would it reveal about you?

TM: That my left leg is the real weapon. That where the power comes from.